The first three years of your child’s life are vitally important to the development of personality and intellect. During this period a great deal of learning takes place at a very fast pace. The Parent and Child program offered at Milwaukee Montessori School is designed by Teri Li, veteran Montessori teacher of 15 years and skilled parent educator, who is specifically trained and experienced in applying Montessori methods to the education of children from birth to 3 years of age. The program is based on play and learning activities that use of Montessori materials to lay the foundation for future learning. Together with Teri Li, in the Parent and Child program you will learn how you can encourage and support your child’s individual and natural development.
Each 90-minute class is designed to address a toddler’s (from 18-36 months) physical, social, emotional, and cognitive needs. The prepared classroom environment is safe, cheerful, and inviting: the perfect setting for parents to observe their children in action as they begin developing independence and social awareness.
The following are goals of the program:
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Increase a toddler’s sense of autonomy through social and learning experiences.
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Teach parents to observe rather than interfere, while gaining insight into your toddler’s natural learning process.
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Instill the importance of responsibility in your toddler.
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Nurture and encourage your child toward the independence they seek in their work and play.
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Foster confidence in your toddler.
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Teach you how to aid your child toward greater and greater concentration as he or she builds intellect.
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Learn how “play” is your child’s “work” as he masters new mental, physical, and social skills.
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Help you plan your home environment for optimal learning at home.
Our sessions are six weeks long and classes are held every Tuesday. Space is limited. Please see the attached Toddler/Parent Application form for a schedule of class sessions. In the mean time, if you have any questions please contact Teri Li, Toddler Directress at 414-259-0370 or tli@milwaukee-montessori.org.
Parent Testimonials
“The biggest benefit came over time as I observed my child in the prepared environment. I found that I was almost always underestimating what he was capable of doing on his own. We have since translated this important recognition into our home and have found our son perfecting simple tasks in his dexterity, by pouring water from a pitcher into a glass, putting on his slippers, and wiping down the table after eating. Letting him experiment in a safe environment has enabled him to build confidence, which has led him to even more repetition, experimentation, and further learning.”
“I learned of the importance of concentration in intellectual development and also learned how to create an orderly environment and routine at home. My daughter now uses one toy, and returns it back to its place before moving to another toy. While this in itself may not seem exciting, the changes have made our home much more orderly. Cleaning up after playing is no longer a struggle, as putting away during play has become a happy part of her routine. Not only can she concentrate and build upon her skills in an uncluttered area, but she is growing in her sense of responsibility at a very young age!”
"After the very first class, our son told us he wanted to go to "school" again and began to look forward to and even plan the next experiences, even though he had never communicated an interest in other activities to that point. A spark has truly been lit."
“Since enrolling in the Toddler/Parent program we feel there is more trust in our relationship with our daughter. We are more willing to let her try new things, with supervision of course, and she seems to have a strong trust in us, which continues to grow as she grows!”